Network Rail warns of extensive engineering works set to disrupt train travel through the New Forest in the run-up to Easter

RAIL passengers face travel disruption in the run-up to Easter due to extensive engineering works between the New Forest and Southampton.

Travel will first be affected by Network Rail’s project with contractor VolkerRail to replace 1km of rails, sleepers and ballast stone on the ‘Sway Curve’.

Letters have been sent out to nearby residents to warn them of the works, the bulk of which are set to be carried out from 11pm on Friday 4th to 4.30am on Monday 7th April, and from 11pm on Friday 25th to 4am on Monday 28th April.

Continuous follow-up work will also be carried out from 11pm on Saturday 12th to 3am on Monday 14th April.

Contractors will also be on the line Monday 31st March to Friday 4th April, Monday 7th to Friday 11th April, Tuesday 22nd to Friday 25th April, Monday 28th April to Friday 2nd May, Monday 2nd to Friday 6th June; and Monday 23rd to Thursday 26th June.

The Network Rail letter said: “Whilst every effort will be made to contain the noisier activities to daytime working, the constraints of our schedules may mean that some noise at night is unavoidable.

“We are sorry for the disruption our work may cause you.”

Major works will also see train services amended along the south coast in Hampshire from 12th to 20th April (Easter Sunday).

This “vitally important” project forms part of an £86m investment programme of more than 300 upgrade projects nationwide.

Passengers are advised to plan ahead and check with their train operator before travelling as services will be amended in the wider Southampton area at weekends.

On Saturday 12th April, services between Southampton Central and Salisbury, Bournemouth, Poole and Weymouth will be revised.

The next day, buses will replace trains between Southampton Central and Bournemouth, and between Brockenhurst and Lymington Pier.

On Saturday 19th April, rail replacement buses will run between Southampton Central and Bournemouth, Brockenhurst and Lymington Pier.

The next day, Easter Sunday, these will run between Eastleigh and Bournemouth, and Brockenhurst and Lymington Pier.

All lines will reopen on Easter Monday, but a Sunday (bank holiday) service will operate.

Network Rail Wessex route director Mark Goodall said: “We understand that shutting down such a large stretch of railway along the south coast will cause disruptions, and we sincerely apologise to passengers for any inconvenience.

“Traditionally, the school holidays see fewer people using the railway so it is better for the passenger and taxpayer to close the line to make these improvements over the course of nine days, rather than have several weekend closures.”

South Western Railway customer and commercial director Peter Williams added: “We appreciate our customers’ patience during these vitally important engineering works, which will improve reliability and provide better journeys.”